Originally made of panels crafted from wood and assembled as planks, decking grids are now used as outdoor flooring. This can be either to create a walkway or to set up a garden lounge area at a lower cost. This is precisely what we will discuss in this article by considering which criteria should influence your choice of decking grids.
Three key points to analyze before buying decking grids
Decking grids are highly popular modular tiles used to outfit a terrace, balcony, or garden path. Aesthetic and practical, they bring comfort and design to your outdoor spaces. But before choosing, it is essential to consider three fundamental criteria:
- The material:
- Wood (natural, exotic, composite) for a warm and authentic style.
- PVC or resin for easy maintenance and good resistance to moisture.
- Metal or aluminum for great durability and a modern look.
- Resistance and maintenance:
- Choose a model suited to climatic variations (rain, frost, sun).
- Favor materials treated against moisture, UV rays, and mold.
- Evaluate ease of cleaning depending on the type (oiled wood, composite, resin).
- Installation system:
- Clip-on installation (often tool-free, ideal for terraces).
- Screwed or fixed installation for greater stability.
- Check compatibility with the substrate (concrete, loose soil, existing floor).
The material of the decking grid
As we mentioned in the introduction, decking grids were originally made of wood. However, today, they can also be found in synthetic material (plastic) or metal. Wood is a natural, warm, and aesthetic material that integrates particularly well into a plant environment. And if you opt for a species like acacia, you can get an inexpensive wooden decking grid.
However, even though acacia is known to be resistant to moisture, it is necessary to treat it for long-lasting use. That is why if you primarily prioritize practicality, you might prefer clip-on plastic decking grids with a wood effect. This way, you will neither have to maintain nor treat them, which is appreciated. Finally, if metal is more aesthetic and also requires little maintenance, it can be slippery when wet. So be cautious if precipitation is frequent in your area!
The dimensions of the decking grid
There are different sizes of grates ranging from 30 x 30 cm to 100 x 100 cm. You will understand that this is important because if you choose dimensions that are too large, you will not be able to effectively cover the desired surface. You will then have to make some concessions, which is obviously not desirable! On the other hand, small-sized grates are the most expensive when you consider the price per m². Therefore, you need to find the right balance!
Good to know: if you choose grates with different dimensions, it is not certain that you will be able to assemble them. Moreover, the visual aspect is often unflattering, which matters if you pay attention to the decoration of your outdoor space. We can therefore only recommend that you buy just one size, except possibly if you plan to create several separate areas.
The shape of the grate
Contrary to popular belief, not all grates in the form of clip-together tiles are necessarily square. Whether you choose models in wood, plastic, or metal, rectangular grates are also available on the market. This is the most original shape and also allows for the creation of varied patterns, but it requires more precision and know-how to achieve a harmonious result. That’s the downside!
That is why if you do not want to complicate your life when installing the grate, we advise you to choose square models. It is certainly very classic, but you will not have to make cuts and adjustments in principle. You will see: clipping them together is really child’s play!
Comparison table: how to choose your garden grate
To guide you in choosing grates, here is a comparison of the main available materials:
| Material | Advantages | Disadvantages | Recommended maintenance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Exotic wood | Warm aesthetic, durable, robust | Higher cost, requires treatment | Regular oiling |
| Composite wood | Natural look, weather resistant | May fade over time | Cleaning with soapy water |
| PVC / Resin | Affordable price, good moisture resistance | Less premium visually | Simple water jet |
| Aluminum / metal | High resistance, modern style | Can heat up in the sun, more expensive |
No, only natural wood gratings require regular treatment (oil, stain). Composite, PVC, or aluminum models are naturally resistant.
It is not recommended to lay them directly on soil or grass. Ideally, they should be installed on a stabilized surface (sand, gravel, concrete slab) to avoid moisture and direct contact with water.
It depends on the material: between 5 and 10 years for well-maintained wood, 10 to 20 years for composite, and up to 25 years for quality aluminum or PVC.
